Azurite & Malachite (Type Locality) ex Hefendehl Coll.

Item Description

Densely intergrown rosettes of highly lustrous royal-blue and navy-blue bladed azurite crystals form an impressive, very rich and sculptural large small cabinet specimen from the historic copper mines at Chessy. The contrasting gossan matrix accentuates the beautiful color and luster of the azurite crystals. Bright light reveals beautiful, desirable "electric-blue" color with many of the blades. Chessy is the Type Locality for azurite. The copper mines from here operated from the Middle Ages until 1875. Some of the rosettes on the lower left have been partially pseudomorphed by malachite, adding color and character. Ex Kurt Hefendehl Collection. This is a classic, uncommon and excellent matrix example of finely bladed small azurite crystals with good color from fabled Chessy. We assume this is an older specimen, as aside from mining the dumps, not many large pieces have been found in modern times. It is certainly unusual for the size and overall visual impact. Valued $2500-3000.